In a concerning development, the Minna Medium Security Correctional Facility in Niger State finds itself grappling with a hepatitis crisis, as six inmates have been confirmed positive for the disease.
The outbreak was discovered following tests conducted on some inmates exhibiting similar symptoms at the General Hospital in Minna.
ASHENEWS has learned that urgent medical intervention is imperative, with an estimated N674,000 required to treat the affected individuals.
This development emphasizes the pressing need for prompt action to address the health concerns within the correctional facility.
Hepatitis is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease. Having inmates with this disease poses a great danger to the entire prison community unless urgent action and intervention are taken to curb the spread of the virus.
The Deputy Controller of Correctional Service overseeing Minna’s Medium Security Correctional Center, Yusuf Hamisu, revealed this during a visit by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Minna Branch on Tuesday.
Hamisu stated that the afflicted inmates have been isolated within the facility to contain the virus spread, despite challenges due to limited space.
“Following their testing, we were instructed to isolate them, but space limitation posed difficulties as we lacked available cells, “he commented.
Nigerian Prisons are characterized by a range of risk factors ranging from overcrowding, poor ventilation, inadequate nutrition, poor infection control practices, high poverty rates, low education levels, drug abuse as well as sexual violence. This makes it an easy breeding ground for the disease.
A healthcare personnel at the center, Essie Idowu, while speaking to the NSE members said that there is an urgent need for N674,000 to treat the six affected inmates.
“We sought treatment at General Hospital Minna, but the costs exceed our department’s capacity. This isn’t something only the department can take care of. That is why we are soliciting any individual or organisation for support.
“We require N674,000 for treatment. Hapivax costs N40,000 each, totaling N240,000 for six positive cases. Levoline is N25,500 per patient. Vimodine is N15,000 each.
“Lab investigations include a viral load test at N25,000 per inmate and a B profile investigation at N3,000 per patient. Liver function tests amount to N18,000 for six patients,” she explained.
Meanwhile, delays in treatment pose serious risks to all inmates.
ASHENEWS observed that the facility’s capacity to handle an outbreak is severely compromised with only three beds available in the clinic for nearly 200 individuals.
However, it suggests that relevant authorities must work towards addressing the immediate health crisis to prevent further transmission of the disease.
There is also a need for thorough medical assessments to screen more inmates and begin proper treatment protocols as may be required to prevent further transmission.
Failure to intervene promptly may result in severe consequences for the entire correctional community.
Efforts must also be put in place to implement long-term strategies for disease prevention within the correctional facility.
Hepatitis, a liver inflammation, is caused by various infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, rendering the body vulnerable to fatal health complications.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies five primary strains of the virus: types A, B, C, D, and E, all of which induce liver disease.
Hepatitis B and C, prevalent causes of hepatitis-related fatalities, afflict an estimated 354 million individuals globally.
While vaccination offers prevention, treatment, and screening remains hindered by financial barriers. Symptoms of hepatitis A, B, and C encompass fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice.
In severe cases, the virus can lead to chronic liver infection, potentially progressing to cirrhosis or liver cancer, heightening mortality risks.
WHO identifies Hepatitis types A, B, C, D, and E with high illness and death burdens. Types B and C particularly cause chronic disease, often leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer affecting hundreds of millions of people.
Hepatitis A and E typically stem from contaminated food or water, while B, C, and D result from contact with infected bodily fluids.
These viruses are commonly spread via contaminated blood or blood products, invasive medical procedures using contaminated equipment, and hepatitis B transmission from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also by sexual contact.
Acute infections may present with mild or absent symptoms, including jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
